Groundswork Somerville builds sustainable communities through partnerships with residents, businesses, congregations, and nonprofits. Somerville is a mixed income, multi-racial, multi-cultural, suburban Boston community.
The current project focus includes completing the "Somerville Community Path." This trail will extend the popular "Minuteman Bikeway" and provide improve access to the MBTA's (Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority) Davis Square subway. This public improvement will bring physical activities benefits to the lower income neighborhoods in East Somerville.
Additional activities include distributing an "Active Living Welcome Package" (including a public transit map) to new residents; conducting walkability audits in neighborhoods; engaging community members in mapping workshops; and ensuring Active Living resources (like bike paths and subway stops) appear correctly on mainstream city maps. The project will collaborate with local realtors to allow prospective homebuyers to preview their commute options, based on each house they are considering.
Planning policy changes will be reviewed to create Safe Routes to School and establish attractive walking corridors with beautification efforts to promote pedestrian activity.
This organization was one of 25 demonstration projects selected by Active Living by Design, a national program of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF).
Goal
Building sustainable communities through diverse partnerships.